Preview: Newcastle v City

CITY midfielder Elano may find himself on the bench as the high-flying Blues look to heap more pressure on Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce. After a brilliant first few months at Eastlands, Elano's form has dipped in recent weeks and City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be tempted to leave the Brazilian on the bench at St James' Park, with fellow countryman Geovanni among the potential replacements.

CITY midfielder Elano may find himself on the bench as the high-flying Blues look to heap more pressure on Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce.

After a brilliant first few months at Eastlands, Elano's form has dipped in recent weeks and City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could be tempted to leave the Brazilian on the bench at St James' Park, with fellow countryman Geovanni among the potential replacements.

Michael Johnson (abdominal strain) is still sidelined but Emile Mpenza could be back from a muscle problem as City look to record their first away win since the opening day of the season.

Newcastle striker Alan Smith is a major doubt for tomorrow night's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester City as he recovers from concussion.

The 27-year-old spent Saturday night in hospital after a clash of heads with team-mate Abdoulaye Faye at Chelsea.

Faye hurt his arm during the same match, although a scan has shown no lasting damage, while Michael Owen came through his return from a thigh injury unscathed.

Midfielder Joey Barton will not play against his former club after being remanded in custody on charges of common assault and affray.

Key opponent - Obafemi Martins: The powerful Nigerian striker is always a problem for defences and the Blues cannot afford to slip up with him on the prowl.

Prediction - Newcastle 0 City 1 - If City can repeat the defensive display they produced against Liverpool they should keep Newcastle out but need to work harder up front to rediscover their scoring touch.